Kass, I normally don't do this in other bloggers' comment sections, but if you get the chance, I'd like you to check this out:

http://wwwshadowofadoubt.blogspot.com/2009/03/duo-over.html

I think it touches on some of things you mentioned in your piece. I don't believe you were reading my blog when I first posted it.

Though I'm a tiny bit younger than you, I, too, have been having problems dealing with aging. Nothing so much physical (though I recently found out I have high blood pressure--that sucks!), just the realization I now have less time ahead of me than behind. I now have that same sense of urgency that you mentioned in your piece. Unforunately, the speed bumps or detours remain whether you have that sense of urgency or not.

Great piece, Kass, and so resonant. I'm going to follow your lead and make sure I am fully alive when I die. I've already stopped living to please others, much to my husband's consternation but he'll get over it, now I just need to find the thing I really want to do, and do it!

If you get that one woman show off the ground I'll be so tempted to renew my passport and come see it.

How pleasing to see your graceful spirit celebrated in this way, your story shared further. Your renovation blog is its own version of a One Woman Show; can't wait to see what else you have in mind. xo

Thank you for your comment, Kass. I had, as I painted and when I stare at the painting, a wholly different thought of the birch. I made a reply on the blog. But yours works, too! Except for the darkness. For me the only darkness is the emerging FROM.

Oops. Too long. I'll stop. I miss your posts... and I have to be away from the computer until Sunday night.

Hi Kass! I cannot tell you how much I've missed the blogosphere and your wonderful words! I just posted my final and closing post on Eye to Eye--I really hope you'll read it because you are one of the people whom I'm talking about as thank my fellow bloggers. Your frequent comments filled with encouraging words have always meant so much to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I will be back blogging someday- I promise!

Welcome to my blog, please visit my renovation blog at:

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1966 War Watercolor

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About Me - Irrational Optimist

I like knockwurst, knapsacks, knots, knee-highs, knights, kneaded bread dough, knolls, knives, knobs and knitting. I like knocking on doors that open. I like the idea of scoundrely knaves wearing knickers having a knack for knutty knowledge. I like the idea of being known. I like this "K" not being silent - about anything.